Memorial Day Ceremonies

Americans around the world celebrated Memorial Day today. Thousands gathered across the country to pay respect to the men and women who have made sacrifices to keep freedom alive. Here in the Central Coast, families, friends, political leaders, soldiers and war veterans gathered at Carpinteria Cemetery to honor the fallen heroes of American wars.

Wreaths were placed below a flagpole in a colorful show of respect for the warriors that have given their lives for this country. Smaller American flags decorated the graves of these unsung heroes, the names of Carpinteria residents that sacrificed it all were read out loud, and three canon blasts marked this special occasion as everyone present looked on.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Carpinteria Cemetery is two gravesites, 100 feet apart from each other, that date back to the Civil War. One is that of a Confederate soldier and the other of a Union soldier. Both from Missouri. As to why these two soldiers were interred here, so far from home and the battlefield,

A clip of a Memorial Day Ceremony I put together from a news story I covered.

and what connection they may have to Carpinteria or the Central Coast, remains a mystery. Nevertheless, today, both were honored under one flag.

Formerly known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day gives Americans a chance to give thanks to all those men and women who gave all of their tomorrows so one could have today…America, the land of the free. And as this country moves forward, the sacrifices of these fearless warriors will never be forgotten.